Machine for forming springs



Jan. 30, 1940. F, J. HQRTQN 21,188,407

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Original Filed Aug. 12, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 lNVE TOR A ORNEYS Jan. 30, 1.940. F, .1. HoRToN 2,188,407

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Original Filed Aug. 12, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 30, 1940. F. J. HoRToN 2,188,407

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Original Filed Aug. 12, 1935 -5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR TORNEYS Jan. 30, 1940. F. J. HoRToN 2,188,407

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Original Filed Aug. 12, 19,35 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS jan. 30, 1940. F J, HORTON 2,188,497

y MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Original Filed Aug. 12, 1935 5 Sheets-She'et 5 144 -Jz E. 1 1..

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NVENTOR TTORNEYS Patented Jan. '30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR FORMING `SPRINGS Original application August 12, 1935, Serial No. 35,705. Divided and this application Janua 12, 1939, Serial No. 250.612

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to the'formation of springs, and more particularly to the formation of flat springs which are longitudinally arched, and which embody a plurality of sinuous lateral turns.

The present application is a division of applicants co-pending application Serial No. 35,705, led August 12, 1935, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and machine for making springs which include a longitudinal arch of predetermined radius and a plurality of sinuous lateral turns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and machine for forming a succession of sinuous lateral turns in spring stock.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and machine for forming a longitudinal arch of predetermined radius in spring stock.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine as above stated, and embodying mechanism to simultaneously introduce sinuous lateral turns and longitudinal arching into spring stock.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine of the last mentioned type in which the forming mechanism comprises a rotatable forming wheel having extendible iingers spaced in accordance with the desired Spacing between lateral turns of the springs, and embodying arms movable axially of the wheel to wind the spring stock about the forming wheel fingers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine for forming stock into springs, and embodying mechanism to condition the spring stock for treatment by mechanism of the type stated above.

It is a further\object of the present invention to provide a wire forming machine embodying supplementary mechanism to 'modify the radius of the'longitudinal spring arch, as preset by the above stated forming mechanism.k

It is a further object of the present invention toprovide a machine for forming springs in which spring stock is fed continuously through the machine and embodying mechanism to cut the completed spring stock to lengths embodying any slected number of lateral turns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide spring stock cutting mechanism, for use separately or in combination with a spring (Cl. L10-145) forming machine as above stated, embodying cutting knives adapted to cut the spring stock at any desired point along lateral turns formed therein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cutting mechanism for cutting to lengths springs of the above stated type and embodying means to accurately position the spring stock with respect to the cutting edges.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cuttingroff mechanism for spring stock of the above stated type, constructed to selectively cut at either end of the lateral turns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cutting-off mechanism for spring stock and embodying improved driving mechanism therefor.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cutting off mechanism of the last mentioned type and embodying an improved form of automatic clutch between the driving source and the cutting head.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine for converting spring stock into longitudinally arched springs having spaced lateral turns, including mechanism for cutting off predetermined lengths of such spring stock, and embodying improved means to operate the forming and cutting ofi' mechanism in timed relation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wire forming machine of the lasth Fig. 3 is a top plan view, with certain of the parts broken away of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a View in vertical section taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a top plan view of a completed spring illustrative of the product of the machine of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a. view illustrating a length of spring stock, having the longitudinal curvature and lateral turns provided by the machine of the present invention, and in condition to be cut to length;

Fig. 9 is a view in rear elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1 and illustrating particularly the timing mechanism and the drive mechanism Vfor the cutting oif elements of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of an improved clutching device which may be used to control the cutting head;

Fig. 11 is a view in vertical section taken along the line II--ll of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line I2l2 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a View taken along the line |3-I3 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a view taken along the line I4-ll of Fig. 1U;

Fig. 15 is a detailed view of the cutting knives forming part of the cutting off mechanism;

Fig. 16 is a view in vertical section taken along the line Iii-I6 of Fig. 15; and

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding in general to Fig. 15 and illustrating a cuttingoff action at opposite ends of lateral turns.

In the form illustrated, the spring forming machine of the present invention is designed particularly to form springs of the type disclosed and claimed in the Kaden Patent No. 2,002,399,

licensee.

granted May 21, 1935, and under which the assignee of the present invention is an exclusive Such springs are of the flat type, are arched longitudinally about a radius which either exceeds or is less than the radius of the spring when put to use, and include a plurality of sinuous lateral turns. Springs of this character have the characteristic of retaining their resiliency and of returning to their original shape, even though temporarily bent in use into an arch of opposed radius. As will be apparent from an understanding of the present invention, however, many of the features thereof are applicable to the formation of springs having other structural features.

In the form illustrated, the improved machine of the present invention comprises, generally, springY stock conditioning elements, elements for forming the spring stock into longitudinally arched, laterally turned formation, elements for modifying or reforming the longitudinal radius of curvature andelements for automatically cutting olf the completed spring stock to desired lengths. The spring stock is fed continuously through the above enumerated elements in the order named, which are driven in continuous timed relation.

In the illustrated form of the present invention, the conditioning elements, which are disposed to act upon the unformed spring stock just prior to its delivery to the forming mechanism, comprise a series of grooved rollers between which the spring stock is passed, and which act to straighten the wire and relieve stresses therein. The straighteners may comprise a series of rollers and cooperating opposed blocks spaced in the direction of feed of the spring stock, which straighten the stock. If desired, the rollers may be staggered somewhat so that as the stock passes between them it is subject to a mild working by Abeing iiexed in opposite directions. Preferably, and as illustrated, one straightening unit is provided to act in one plane and a succeeding unit is provided to actv in a plane normal to the first mentioned plane.

After passing through the straightening mechanism, the straight spring stock passes through suitable guides and is then passed partially around the periphery of a forming wheel, in thecourse of which passage the sinuous lateral turns and the longitudinal arch are formed in it.

The forming wheel preferably comprises acircular member driven in step by step movement by suitable driving mechanism described hereinafter. The forming wheel also includes two series of radially disposed forming fingers, the two series `of fingers being spaced axially of the wheel a distance equal to the desired length of lateral turn of the spring stock. The fingers in each series are angularly spaced on the periphery of the wheel a distance double the width of the desired lateral turns in the completed spring stock. The fingers of the two series are staggered with respect to each other, the fingers of one series being provided to form the turns at the other side of the completed spring stock.

Suitable camming mechanism is provided to extend and retract the lingers outwardly from and into the forming wheel. Each finger reaches an initial forming point in the retracted condition, and is there extended to cooperate with the spring stock. Just prior to the extending movement of such finger, one of a pair of folding cams engages the spring stock and folds it axially of the forming wheel to a position past-such one finger. The extended nger and cam are in vertical alignment, and the finger retracts the cam against the force of a spring bias. The extended nger retains the spring stock in the position in which it is moved by the cam. The forming wheel is then indexed one more step, bringing the next finger of the other series to the initial forming position. At this time, the other of the folding cams engages the spring stock and folds it axially of the forming wheel but in a direction opposite to that of the first folding movement. 'Ihis folding movement brings the spring stock past such last mentioned finger which is then extended to retain the wire in the folded position. The next indexing movement of the forming wheel brings another finger of the first series into operating position, at which time the first folding cam folds the spring stock past such finger, after which such linger is extended to retain the stock. In this manner, the folding cams swing back and forth. successively in timed relation to the indexing of the forming wheel and wind the spring stock about the successively extended fingers. In the form illustrated. the spacing between the respective fingers and the radius of curvature of the turned portions of through substantially one-quarter revolution thereof, after which it is released from the forming wheel and is directed by suitable guiding mechanism to a reforming wheel which, in certain applications of the machine. is desirable to still further reduce the longitudinal radius of curvature of the spring stock. After the spring stock is released from the forming wheel, the extended fingers are suitably retracted into the forming wheel, by mechanism illustrated as comprising a cam which forces the fingers inwardly against an outward spring bias.

The reforming or reducing mechanism may be arranged in various ways, and as illustrated, comprises a forming wheel, suitably driven in accurate timed relation to the movement of the first forming wheel, and which is provided with a plurality of spaced tooth-like projections which are spaced to cooperate with the spaces between turns of the spring stock, and advance the stock. Mechanism is provided to cause the spring stock to follow the curvature of the reforming wheel throughout a portion of a revolution thereof.

The continuous length of spring stock, longitudinally arched and laterally folded, as above stated, is fed by the reforming or reducing wheel directly to the cutting-off mechanism, which, as illustrated, comprises a cutter having two pairs of spaced cutting edges, the edges of each pair being spaced apart substantially the width of .each lateral turn, and being disposed to cut in a direction parallel to the straight portions of each turn. One pair of cutting edges operates at one side of the spring and the other cutting edge operates at the other side of the spring, so that completed springs having either an odd or an even number of turns may be produced.

The cutting off mechanism is driven in accurate timed relation to the step by step movements of the initial and reducing forming wheels under control of a series of timing gears which are replaceable. The driving mechanism for the cutting head also includes an improved form of cutting head clutch actuated by the timing mechanism, and by which the cutting head may be connected to a continuously rotated member. For each cutting operation, the cutting head is clutched to the driving force long enough toelfect a complete reciprocation thereof, after which the clutch automatically releases and is not again rendered effective until the desired number of lateral turns of spring stock, as determined by the timing mechanism, has passed by the cutting head.

Conditioning mechanism Considering the above mentioned elements in more detail, and referring first to Fig. 2, the spring stock 3l) is fed from any suitable source of supply (not shown) to conditioning mechanism comprising a pair of mutually normal straightening units 32 Aand 34, respectively. Unit 32 is illustrated as comprising two Series of parallel rollers 36, disposed in staggered relationships, each roller being opposed by a cooperating presser block 38. The position of the rollers 36 as well as of the blocks 38 is adjustable by adjusting studs 40. Mechanism of this type is well known, and it will be understood that as the stock 30 is fed between the successive rollers, it may either be straightened, or may also be flexed somewhat and, hence, mildly worked. The unit 34 is preferably a duplicate of the unit 32. but is disposed to act upon the stock 30 in a plane normal to that eected by unit 32. Both units 32 and 34 are supported cna bracket rigidly Secured to the frame 44 of the forming machine in any suitable manner. The stock 30 emerges from the units 32 and 34 in substantially straight form, any curvature given the stock by the sup. ply mechanism (not shown) being eliminated therefrom.

After leaving the straighteners, the stock passes through a first guide 45, secured to frame 44 by a stud 41, and through a second guide 46 similarly secured to frame 44 by studs 48 (Fig. 1).

Forming mechanism Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the forming mechanism comprises generally the forming wheel designated as a whole 50, mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, a pair of folding arms 54 and 56 pivotally mounted for swinging movement transverse to the path of movement of stock 30 around wheel 50; and a guide 49 secured to the machine frame by studs 5l, which guide serves to retain the laterally folded stock in peripheral engagement with wheel 58 and thereby introduce a longitudinal arch in the stock.

As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, wheel 5U comprises a ring-like element 60 to which side plates 62 and 64 aresuitably secured, as by studs 66 and 68. Two series of regularly spaced radial openings are formed in ring 60, each opening in one series accommodating a finger l0, and each opening in the other series accommodating a finger l2. 'I'he ngers 'l0 and 'l2 of the two series are staggered, so that in traversing the periphery of wheel 50, the fingers of the two series alternate in regularly spaced relationship. The fingers l0 are disposed on one side of a vertical central plane through Wheel 50, and the fingers of 'l2 are disposed on the other side of such vertical central plane. Each nger 'I0 and 12 slides relatively freely in the associated radial opening in ring 60,

outward movement thereof from ring 60 being limited by a stop pin 14, fitted into each finger and disposed for movement in a cooperating radial recess formed in ring 60. The inner ends of each of the fingers 10 and 12 is chamfered to provide opposite cam surfaces 16, for cooperation With a stationary cam member 18, the periphery of l'which includes a raised cam portion 80, disposed to be engaged by the cam surfaces 16 of the lingers 'I0 and l2, and extend such fingers. 'I'he relation is such that during the travel of a finger of either series from the position designated a in Fig. 5 to a position ldesignated b in the same figure, such nger is maintained in an extended position, in which the outer end thereof extends a predetermined distance beyond the periphery of ring 68; and during the remainder of the travel of such finger, it is enabled to occupy a retracted position, in which the outer end is substantially flush with the periphery of ring 60. A suitable retracting cam 8l secured to the machine frame is provided for engagement by the fingers to effect the retracting thereof.

Cam 'I8 is non-rotatably secured upon a shaft 82, by a key 84. One end of shaft 82 is non'- rotatably secured by a Akey 83 in a support 85 which may form a portion of the machine frame. The other end of shaft 82 is supported in the boss portion 86forming a part of end plate. 62. Preferably, and as illustrated, shaft 82 is hollowed out to form a lubricant duct 88.

End plate 61E-includes the integrally formed boss portion 86, mentioned above, which is rotatably supported in the bearing 90, which may form a part of the machine frame and to the outer end of which a worm wheel 92 is non-rotatably secured by a key 94. Plate 50 includes a similar boss portion 95, rotatably supported in a best shown in Figs. 1 and 3, also carries a helical gear 98. Gear 98 mates with a corresponding helical gear |00, supported for rotation by a main drive shaft |02. Shaft |02 also carries a third gear |04, suitably driven by a cooperating pinion |06. Pinion |06 is secured upon a shaft |01, continuously driven by a main driving motor |08 through a suitable belt |0 and pulley ||2. Shaft 96 is suitably supported in the machine frame portion ||4 within ball bearing unit ||6 and IIB, and it will be understood that shaft |02 may be correspondingly supported within the machine frame.

The respective teeth of worm gear 94 are given a lead only throughout a portion of the periphery of the worm. With this arrangement as will be understood, continuous rotation of worm 94 in response to the continuous rotation of drive shaft |02 and the intermediate gearing as above described, effects rotation of` worm wheel 92 only during the portion of each revolution of worm gear 94 that the teeth of the latter are given a lead. Accordingly, continuous rotation of worm gear 94 results in an intermittent or step by step movement of worm wheel 92, and consequently of the forming wheel 50.

It will be understood that the driving relation between forming wheel 50 and drive shaft |02, is such that each step by `step movement of forming wheel 50 moves a finger such as 12 of one series one step from the initial position shown as a in Fig. 5, and brings the next finger, such as 10, of the other series to such initial position.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, folding arm 56 is of the bell crank type, pivotally connected by a pin |20 to a standard |22, which may be secured to the machine frame portion 44 in any suitable manner, as by the studs |24. The

outer end of one of the arms of bell crank 56 is provided with a boss portion |26 in which a cam |21 is slidably supported, and is biased downwardly to an extended 'position by a spring |2|. The shank |23 of cam |21 extends upwardly through an opening formed in the top of-boss portion |26, and receives a locking pin |25 which is disposed in a groove Iin the upper surface of boss |26. Pin |25 prevents rotation, limits downward movement, of cam |21. Cam |21 functions, as later described, to wind the stock about the iingers 12. The outer end of the other arm of bell crank 56 is forked and is universally connected to the forked end of a connecting rod |32 of suitably adjustable length by pins |28 and |30. I'he other end of connecting rod |32 is pivotally connected by pin |34 to crank arm |40, vwhich is secured for rotation by the outer end of a shaft |42, the opposite ends of which are suitably journalled in the machine frame within the bearing bosses` |44 and |46. Shaft |42 carries a gear |50 alignment with the initial forming position of the fingers 12. The timing relationship is such that bell crank 56 is brought to the inner or operating position and begins return movement from such position, just slightly in advance of the movement of a finger 12 into the initial forming position.

The other bell crank arm 54 is identical in construction with bell crank 56 and includes the forming cam |21'. Arm 54 is universally connected to a connecting rod |53 which is in turn universally connected-to a crank arm |54, continuously driven by shaft |42. It will be noted that crank arms |40 and |54 associated with bell crank 56 and 5,4, respectively, are spaced 180 apart, so that alms 54 and 56 swing inwardly and outwardly in alternate relationship. The timing of arm 54 is such, accordingly, that cam |21' is brought to the position illustrated in Fig. 3 and is slightly retracted therefrom, just slightly in advance of the movement of a iinger` 10 to the initial position designated a in With reference to the operation of the forming elements, as above described, a forming operation of spring stock 30 is begun by feeding such stock through thev previously described `roller leveler elements 32 and 34, through the guides and 46, and bringing the leading straight end of the stock between the past sufllcient of the extended fingers 10 and 12 of forming wheel 50, to prevent withdrawal of the stock from between the fingers in response to the operation of the i'lrst of the forming cams |21 and |21 to operate and form an initial bend. In the form illustrated, the stock is drawn from the supply source and through the roller leveler umts 32 and 34 by the action of theforming mechanism. Preferably, therefore, in beginning a forming operation, the roller leveler adjusting screwsA 40 are Withdrawn suicientl'y so that the straight stock 30 may be freely passed through these units and connected to the forming mechanism. After the machine has been placed in operation, the roller levelers may be tightened down. It will be understood that the initial output of the machine may be discarded by cutting it away at a point between the forming mechanism and the cutting off mechanism.

It will also be-understcod that the machine normally operates upon a continuous length of wire and that an unusual starting operation of the above described character is necessary only where a. free end is introduced to the machine. It has been found desirable in the practice of the present invention, accordingly, to interrupt the operation of the machine prior to the exhaustion of one supply, so that the free end of such supply may be suitably connected as by butt welding to the leading end of thenext supply of straight stock.

Upon the starting of the machine, and with the straight spring stock 30 passing between guide 49 and the periphery of wheel 50, and between the two rows of fingers 10 and 12, it may be assumed that bell crank 54 rotates to the position illustrated in Fig. 3, during the course of which movement the spring stock 30 is engaged and a portion thereof carried with cam |21'. Shortly after the arrival of cam |50 at the position illustrated in Fig. 3, and before a substanl tial retracting or return movement thereof has occurred, an indexing movement of wheel 50 occurs bringing a pin 10 to the initial position designated a in Fig. 5. In the course of this indexing movement such pin 10 is moved to the extended position by cam portion 80. 'I'his extending movement of pin 10 occurs while it is under and in alignment with cam |21', and forces cam |21' to slide upwardly within the end of arm 54. The extending movement of pin 10 also brings it into position in which it is effective to retain the stck 30 in the position in which it is moved by cam 21', thus forming the initial lateral turn in the stock.

During this initial bending movement, the free end of spring stock 30 may be expected to swing to a position in which it bears against the inner side of the finger 10 next in advance of the nger just moved to extended position. 'I'he free end is preferably set far enough around wheel 50 so that in forming the initial turn the free end is prevented from moving from between the fingers.

The return movement of arm 54 is accompanied by an inward, counter clockwise rotation of the other arm 56, inthe course of which the cam |21 associated therewith engages and forms a turn in stock 30 similar to the turn previously formed by cam |21', but opposite thereto. Just prior to the beginning of a retracting movement of cam |21, an indexing movement of wheel 50 occurs, in the course of which a finger 12 is moved to a position underneath cam |21 and is simultaneously extended, forcing cam |21 upwardly within its supporting boss |26. The thus extended finger 12 retains the turn in stock 30 formed therein by the movement of cam |21.

During the return or clockwise motion of cam |21 which is begun, as described, during the extending movement of the nger 12, an inward movement of cam |21 is again in progress, as a consequence of which a turn is again formed in the straight stock 30, and at the conclusion of which another or succeeding finger 10 is moved to the initial position, and is` extended to retain the turn.

It will be evident, therefore, that the cams |21 and |21 form alternate and opposite turns in the stock 30, and that at the conclusion of .each cam movement a nger 10 or 12 is moved to the initial position and extended to retain the stoc in folded formation.

The guide 49 serves to retain the stock 30 down upon the fingers 10 and 12 and causes the folded stock 30 to follow the curvature of the .surface of wheel 50. Simultaneously with the formation of the lateral turns in stock 30, therefore, a longitudinal arch is also introduced therein, the radius of which is determined by the radius of wheel 50. The laterally folded and longitudinally arched stock, having the curved turn ends c (Fig. 7) and the straight turn portions d is permitted to leave the surface of forming wheel 50 at the point designated b in Fig. 5, at which point the guard 49 terminates. The stock tends, as will be understood, to assume a substantial circular form as shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 1, the thus released stock is next led through the reforming and cutting off mechanism.

As will be evident, the length of each lateral turn is equal to the axial spacing between theA mined by the peripheral spacing between the fingers of the respective series.

Reforming mechanism As stated above, the illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a reforming mechanism for the purpose of reducing the radius of curvature of the longitudinal arch of the spring stock, as formed therein by the above described forming mechanism. In the form illustrated, the reforming mechanism also has the function of providing a positive feed of the spring stock to the cutting oi mechanism, the feed thus provided being in timed relation to the movements of the above described initial forming mechanism.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 4, the reforming and indexing wheel |10 is secured to a shaft |12, which is suitably journaled in the frame portions |14 and |16, and the outer end of which also carries a spur gear |18. Gear |18 mates with a gear |80, which is secured to a shaft |82. Shaft |82 is suitably journaled in the frame portions |84 and |86, and carries a worm wheel |88 which meshes with an indexing worm gear |90 which is similar in construction to the previouSly described indexing worm gear ,94, associated with forming wheel 50. Worm gear |90 is continuously driven from sprocket 9| through the mating bevel gears |92 and |94 and the mating spur gears |96 and |98. Gear |94 is secured to the shaft |93 which also carries Worm gear |90. Gears |92 and |96 are secured upon the same shaft |99, which is suitably journaled in the machine frame, and spur gear |98 and sprocket 9| are secured upon a common shaft 200 suitably journaled in the machine frame. Sprocket |9| is continuously driven by motor |08 through chain 202 and a cooperating sprocket 204, which, as best shown in Fig. 3, is mounted on the end of the previously described shaft |01. A fly wheel 203 is preferably mounted on the outer Iend of shaft 200 to stabilize-the operation during a cutting action, described later.

Through this system of gearing, the continuous rotation of shaft 200 results in an intermittent or step by step movement of reforming and indexing wheel |10. The relationship is such that reforming and indexing wheel |10, and the previously described forming wheel 50 are indexed at the same rate. It will be noted that a positive drive is provided between both indexing wheel 50 and shaft |01, and indexing and reforming wheel |10 and shaft |01 (Fig. 3).

The periphery of indexing Wheel |10 includes a plurality of tooth-like projections 2 0, the width of and spacing between each of which is determined between the spacing between adjacent lateral turns in the spring stock. The projections 2|0 are positioned near the axial center of the periphery of wheel |10, and the peripheral portions on each side of the projection 2| 0 are cut away below the level of projection 2|0, to accommodate the turned end portions of the lateral turns in the spring stock.

`The spring stock 30 is retained in engagement with and caused to follow the peripheral curvature of indexing wheel |10 during its passage therearound by a belt 2|2, which passes partially around wheel |10 overlying thelstock 30, and which also passes around three idler pulleys 2|4, 2|6, and 2|8. Belt 2|2 is illustrated as formed of a single piece ywith openings cut therein to accommodate the teeth 2|0 on wheel |10. Alternatively, a pair of spaced belts may be used, and it will be also understood, that while friction is relied upon in the illustrated form, to drive belt 2|2, a toothed belt may be used. 'Ihe idler pulleys 2|4 and 2|6 are suitably, rotatably supported within the machine frame, and the idler pulley 2|8 is slidably mounted on a slide 220 Which rides in guides 222 formed in the machine frame. An adjusting ,stud 224 is provided to x the position of slide 220 with respect to the machine frame. Pulley 2|8 is so positioned that its periphery is engaged by the stock 30 before reaching the indexing wheel |10. As will be evident particularly from Fig. 1, by sliding idler pulley 2|8 to the vvright or to the left, an adjustment of the point on the periphery of indexing wheel |10 at which stock 30 first engages it may be made. This adjustment correspondingly determines the portion of the periphery oi' wheel |10 which the stock is caused to follow and thus constitutes an adjustment to determine the degree of change in the radius of curvature of the longitudinal arch in stock 30 which is effected by passing it over the indexing wheel |10.

Cutting 01T mechanism Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, the stock 30 is fed by the indexing and reforming wheel |10 and the associated parts, directly over an anvil 221 associated with the cutter 226. secured. to a block 228 which is guided in a vertically reciprocating path between guides 234 and 236 which may form part of the machine frame. Block 228 is pivotally connected to a pitman 232 by pin 230. The guide 234 is secured to the frame by stud 238 and is thus conveniently removable therefrom. As described hereinafter, the driving mechanism for cutter 226 is arranged to provide intermittent cutting movement thereof in timed relation to the pasage of stock 30 over anvil 221. The spacing between cutting movements is determined by the length of spring stock desired in each spring section, measured in lateral turns of spring stock.

Referring further to Figs. 1 and 4, and also to the detail Figs. 15, 16 and 17, cutter 226 includes the two spaced downwardly projecting cutting portions 240' and 242, the opposite lateral faces 244- and 246 of which, respectively, are ground to provide cutting edges. The cutter 226 also includesV the two spaced downwardly projecting guide portions 248. ported on the machine frame in a horizontal position, is provided with the openings 250 and 252 which accommodate the cutting and guide portions of cutter 226. These openings are separated by a guide 254 which serves to guide the downward movement of cutter 226. As shown in Fig. 1, the machine frame may be apertured at 256 to provide a chute to permit the cut-away portions of stock 30 to fall to `a collecting vessel'.

As shown by the comparative views, Fig. and Fig. 17, the cutting portion 240 is disposed to cut away the curved portion c at one side of stock 30, and the cutter portion 242 is disposed to. cut away the curved portion c at the other side of stock 30. As will be understood accordingly, in cutting sections of spring stock having an even number of turns, the successive cutting actions will be effected by one of the cutting portions 240 and 242, and the other cutting` portion will'be ineffective. In forming sections of spring stock having an odd number of lateral turns, the cutting portions 240 and 242 will be alternately effective. During 'an effective cutting movement, each of the cutting portions 240 and 242 cuts through the spring stock 30 at Cutter 226 is Anvil 221, suitably sup-` two points each near the end of adjacent spaced yportions d of the stock, so that the completed,

tween the spaced portions d, but does not engage the spring stock 30 on either side. As the cutter 226 advances downwardly to effect a cutting action, the guides 248 which extend below the cutting edges, rst enter between adjacent straight portions of the stock and center it with respect to the. cutting edges.

With reference to the driving mechanism for cutter 226, and referring particularly to Figs. 1, l0, and 4, the previously mentioned pitman 232 is provided at its upper end with a split bearing 260, which rotatably receives the eccentric 262 which is formed at one end of the horizontal shaft 264. Shaft 264 is supported in a bearing 266 which may be formed in the machine frame, and may be selectively clutched to the previously mentioned continuously rotating gear |96.

Referring to Figs. 10 through 14, the clutch comprises a clutch bar 268 having a forward curved portion 210 and a rearwardly extending shank 212, which is guided for horizontal reciprocating movement between guides 214 which may be secured to the machine frame by studs 215. A lever 216 which is keyed to a shaft 218 is disposed to enter a recess 280 formed in slide 212 to impart the reciprocating movement to clutch bar 266 in response to the timing mechanism as described below.

The forward lconcave portion 210 of clutch 260 is provided with the two concentric concave recesses 282 and 284, which meet to form a shoulder 286, which is normal to the axis of bar 268, but which is curved as shown in Fig. 13 to provide a cam action for the abutment 290 which extends outwardly from the locking pin 29|. Locking pin 29|, which includes the dog 292 and the shank 294, is slidably received in a longitudinal recess provided withv a plane surface 302 in which is cut the cam shoulder 304, the face of which is parallel with the axis of hub 300. The portion 306 which adjoins cam shoulder 304 is parallel with the surface 3oz and the portion aus is a graduated cam surface which rises from the level of the surface 306 to the level of the surface 302.

The parts are shown in Fig. 12 in the unclutched or released position, in which dog 292 of locking pin 29| is retained in the retracted position by the engagement between abutment 290' and the cam surface 286 formed in the clutch bar 268. With the parts in this relation, the continuous rotation of gear |96 and the hub 300 thereof is ineffective to impart rotation to sleeve 296. Withdrawal of the clutch bar 268, as controlled by the timing mechanism described below,

however, moves cam shoulder 206 out of the path of abutment 290, releasing locking pin 29|, the dog 292 of which accordingly is moved to the right as viewed in Fig. 12 to a position in which it engages the fiat portion 302 on the surface of hub 30. Rotation of hub 300'occurs in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 14, so that dog 292 is first traversed by the flat portion 302 and timing wheel 336.

then by the graduated portion 308, which permits dog 292 to move to the right as viewed in Fig. 12 into the path of the cam 304, the further rotation of driving gear |96 also drives sleeve 296 and consequently, shaft 264, upon which sleeve 296 is secured. The rotation of shaft 264, as will be understood, effects a cutting movement of the cutter 226.

The withdrawal of the clutch bar 268 is momentary only. At the time of the return of clutch bar 268 to the position illustrated in Fig. 12, however, abutment 290 associated with locking pin 29| is out of the range of the cam shoulder 286, so that such return movement of clutch bar 268 does not affect the position of locking pin 29|. Toward the conclusion of one com` plete revolution of sleeve 296 andA locking pin 29|, however, abutment 290 moves into engagement with th'e inwardly curved portion 3|0 of cam shoulder 286. Further rotation of abutment 290 causes it to ride along the shoulder 286 and gradually withdraw locking pin 29| from engagement with the vertical cam shoulder 304 associated with hub 300. The parts are so related that the release of locking pin 29| occurs after sleeve 296 has made substantially one complete revolution. Sleeve 296 and consequently the cutter head 226 and the associated parts are brought promptly to rest upon the release of the locking pin 29| by a continuously applied brake 3|2 which encircles sleeve 296, and is nonrotatably secured by the engagement between the adjusting stud 3|4 and a portion 3|6 of the machine frame.

Referring particularly to Figs. 4 and 9, the previously described crank 216 which eiects the reciprocation of the clutch bar 268 is suitably supported in the machine frame on shaft 218 which also carries a connecting crank arm 320 to which a downwardly extending connecting rod 322 is pivotally connected by pin 324. The lower end of rod 322 is universally connected to a boss 326 formedvat the end of a rock bar 328, which is pivotally supported within the machine frame on a shaft 330. The other end of rock bar 328 is formed to provide the inwardly extending lug 332 which is disposed to cooperate with a cam 334 formed on the periphery of a Timing wheel 336 is supported for rotation by a shaft 338 which also carries a timing gear 340. Timing gear 340 meshes with a cooperating gear 342, which in turn meshes with a third gear 344. Gear 344 is keyed to the previously described-shaft |82 which is given step by step movement by the worm gear |90 (Fig. 4). It will be recalled that the reforming and indexing wheel |10 is also directly driven in response to the step by step movements of shaft |82, so that the timingmechanism and the indexing wheel are driven synchronously. It will also be recalled that shaft |82 is driven in timed relation to the step by step movement of the initial forming wheel 50.

The shaft 350, upon which the intermediate timing gear 342 is supported is carried on a triangular plate 352, the position of which is adjustable and which may be locked in any desired position by a locking stud 354. The timing gears 340 and 342 are retained on their associated shafts by nuts 34| and 343 and are thus readily removable. It will be understood that by removing both gears and repositioning the adjusting plate 352, gears.of different gear ratios may be substituted for the gears 340 and 342.

movement of shaft |82 which is effective to move index wheel |10 far enough to advance spring stock 30 through the machine the width of one lateral turn, and which accompanies a corresponding movement of the initial forming wheel 50, moves timing wheel 336 through a predetermined angle, depending upon the gear ratios of the gears 340, 342\and 344. After a selected number of such step by step movements, which represent the passage past the cutting ofi mechanism of a selected length of spring stock, the sloping forward edge of cam 334, associated with timing wheel 336, is moved into engagement with the lug 332 associated with rock bar 328. This action pulls rod 322 downwardly, as viewed in Fig. 9, and eiects, through cranks 218 and 320 a retracting or withdrawing movement of clutch bar 268. As cam 342 moves past lug 332, rock bar 328 is released, and push rod 322 is permitted to resume its illustrated position under the influence of the restoring spring 350, one end of which bears against crank 320 and the lower end of which is seated against a stationary support 362. Thel momentary withdrawal of clutch bar 268, however, as previously described, is eective to clutch the cutting mechanism to the continuously rotated drive gear |96 to effect a complete reciprocation of cutter head 226, during which the stock 30 is cut off. As will be evident, the initiation of the clutching action occurs during the progress of a step by step movement of the timing mechanism, and consequently of the indexing wheel |10, so that the stock 30 is in movement at the time. The completion cf the step by step movement, however, occurs before the cutter head 226 enters into engagement with the stock, so that the stock is at rest at the time of such engagement. Similarly, the cutting action is completed and the ascending movement of the cutter head begun before the next step by step movement is initiated.

As will be understood, the cut oi lengths of ,completed spring stock may be discharged from the machine in any suitable manner. Illustrative guide mechanism 310 is illustrated in Figs. 1, 4, and 9 in position to receive the completed stock. As will be noted guide 310 follows substantially the free curvature of the completed stock, so that such stock falls freely therethrough.

Operation as a whole To summarize the operation of the machine as a whole, the straight spring stock 30 is fed through the straighteners 32 and 34 (Fig. 2), by the successive swinging movements of the folding arms 54 and 56. The folding arms 54 and 56 alternately swing inwardly and outwardly, carrying the cams |21 and |21 associated therewith Fig. 3) into engagement with the spring stock 30 and forming opposite turns therein. The forming Wheel 50 moves in step by step timed relationl to the swinging movements of folding arms 54 and 56 and the completion of a folding movement by either cam |21 or |21 is followed by an outward movement of a cooperating finger 12 or 10 to retain the stock in the folded position. The successive step `by step movements of the forming wheel 50 carry the folded stock around the periphery thereof as retained by the stationary guide 49, so that as the stock 30 is passed around wheel 50, the lateral turns and the longitudinal arch are simultaneously formed therein. I

The laterall turned and longitudinally arched stock is permigted, to fall away from the initial forming wheel \50, after which the extended fingers are automatically retracted by cam I in readiness for the next action thereof. The released stock is led around the reforming and indexing wheel H0, the longitudinal radius of curvature being reduced, if desired, in accordance with the positioning of the guide wheel 2I8 (Figs. 1 and 4). The reforming and indexing wheel is driven in timed relation to the movement of the initial forming wheel 50, and feeds the stock directly between the cut off anvil 221 and the cutter 226.

After the passage past the cutter 226 of a se-` lected length of completed spring stock, including either an odd or an even number of lateral turns, the timing mechanism including gears 340, 342 and 344 (Fig. 9) effects a withdrawing movement of clutch bar 268 (Figs. 10 through 14). This withdrawing movement releases clutch pin 29|, which accordingly moves dog 292 into the path of the continuously driven cam hub 300. Further movement of hub 300 permits locking dog 292 to move into the path of the clutching cam shoulder 304. Upon the engagement of shoulder 304 with dog 292, the cutter head shaft 264 is driven by the continuously rotating gear |96 and causes cutter 226 to descend, cut oi the stock 30'and rise to its initial position. At the conclusion of such cutting movement, dog 292 is cammed out of engagement with shoulder 304 by the cooperation between abutment 290 and the cam shoulder 286 formed in clutch bar 268. -Upon such release, the cutter head shaft 264 is promptly brought t0 rest by the continuously acting brake 3I2.

Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be evident that various changes in the form, number and arrangement of parts may be made therein within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A spring forming machine comprising, in combination, a cutter head, means for feeding wire in step by step fashion to said cutter head and means for actuating said cutter head in timed relation to said step by step movement, each said actuation of said cutter head occurring between successive advancing movements of said stock. y

2. A spring lforming machine for forming springs each having a succession of sinuous, lateral turns and a longitudinal arch therein comprising a cutter head, means for advancing said turned and arched stock through said machine. and means for actuating said cutter head in timed relation to said advancing movement to effect a cutting oi action at a selected point in a selected one of said lateral turns, each said actuation of said cutter head occurring between successive advancing movements of said stock.

3. A spring forming machine for forming a succession of sinuous lateral turns in spring stock, each of said lateral turns having a turned end portion and a connecting portion, comprising a cutter head, and operating means for said cutter head to effect a cutting off action adjacent the junction between an end portion and a connecting portion of said stock.

4. In a machine for operating upon spring stock alsace? having a succession of sinuous, lateral turns formedtherein, -each of said turns having a curved end portion and a connecting portion, a cutter head, means for advancing said spring stock through said machine, and means for operating said cutter head in timed relation to said advancing means to eiect a cutting action at the junction between a curved end and a connecting portion.

5. In a machine for operating upon spring stocks having a succession of sinuous, lateral turns, each of said turns including a curved end portion and a connecting portion, a cutter head adapted to cut through said spring stock at opposite extremities of a curved end portion.

6. In a machine for operating upon spring stocks having a plurality of sinuous, lateral turns, each of said turns including an end portion and a connecting portion, a cutter head adapted to cut through said stock at opposite points adjacent the ends of an end portion, means for advancing said spring stock through said machine, and means for operating said cutter head in timed relation to said advancing means.

'7. A machine for operating upon spring stock having a series of lateral turns formed therein comprising means for advancing said spring stock through said machine, a cutter head, and means for intermittently operating said cutter head to cut oi completed lengths of spring stock having either odd or even numbers of turns therein.

8. A machine for operating upon spring stock having a series of sinuous. lateral turns formed therein comprising a cutter head having cutting edges spaced in accordance with the length of said lateral turns, and means for feeding said spring stock to said cutter head so that one of said cutting edges is eiected to cut at one end of said lateral turns and the. other of said cutting edges is effective to cut at the other end of said lateral turns.

9. lA machine for operating upon spring stock having a series of sinuous, lateral turns formed therein comprising means for advancing said spring stock through said machine, a cutter head for cutting off lengths of completed spring stock, a driving source for said cutter head, and timing mechanism operable in timed relation to said advancing means for intermittently connecting said cutter head to said driving source.

10. A machine for operating upon spring stocks comprising means for advancing said spring stock through said machine in step by step fashion, a reciprocable cutter head for cutting oi completed lengths of stocks, a driving source for said cutter head, and timing means for intermittently connecting said cutter head to said driving source.

11. A machine for operating upon spring stock comprising -means for advancing said stock through said machine in step by step fashion, a reciprocable cutter head for cutting off lengths of completed stock, a continuously operable source of power for said cutter head, timing means operable `in timed relation to said advancing means 'for intermittently connecting said cutter head to 'said driving source, and means for maintaining Disclaimer 2,188,407.-Frank J. Horton, Detroit, Mich. MACHINE FORI FORMING SPRINGS. Patent dated Jan. 30, 1940. Disclaimer filed Feb. 3, 1950, by the assignee,

No-Sag Spring Company. Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 2 to 6 inclusive, and claim 9 of said patent. (Ocz'al Gazette February 28, 1.950). 

